Gerald Nelzen

There will be a memorial service held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at the Grace Church in Molalla. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Clarkes Pioneer Cemetery, Joan Loaschiavo, 28740 S. Beavercreek Road, Mulino, OR 97042.

Gerald Nelzen

Obituary for Gerald "Gary" Dwight Nelzen

Gerald Dwight Nelzen (Gary) was born 3-19-49 to Doris and Dwight Nelzen in McPherson, Kansas. Gary lived there until May 1961 when he moved to Clarkes, Oregon with his family. Gary started Clarkes Grade School in the 7th grade and later graduated from Molalla High School. Gary worked at the Clarkes store all through his high school years. He later worked at Fought and Sons Metal Fabrication and then worked at Soule Steele in Portland. In 1969 Gary married his high school sweet heart and then went to work at Publishers Paper Mill in Oregon City. He worked there 40 years as a Mill Wright and loved his job. He left the paper mill at age 58 with serious health problems.

In the early 80's Gary coached youth sports, was an active member of Clarkes School board and also taught High School Sunday School at the Clarkes Methodist church. For the past 30 years Gary took great pride in the Clarkes Cemetery and acted as the primary care taker of the grounds. Every Memorial week-end he would place a flag on each veteran's grave.

Gary is survived by his wife Luann of 45 years, Brother Ron Nelzen, Sister Shirley Johnson and three sons, Jerry, Wayne and Steve. He has five grandchildren, Emma, Grace, Hannah, Kristen and Dale who he loved very much.

Gary kept a positive attitude his entire life, even after six long years of fighting cancer. He always said, "It's another beautiful day" and tried to make the best of every day. Gary loved his family, community and country, it would be very hard to find a more patriotic person than Gary. There will be a memorial service for Gary next Saturday January 31 at 1pm at the Grace Church in Molalla with a light lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Clarkes Pioneer Cemetery. Joan Loaschiavo 28740 S. Beavercreek Road Mulino, Or. 97042.